Pastoral areas worst hit by food uncertainty

The food supply situation is critical in northern, eastern and northwestern pastoral districts of Kenya, and in parts of Central, Coast and Rift Valley provinces affected by droughts during the 'short rains' late last year, an FAO report stated on Tuesday. The price of maize, the key staple in the country, had risen sharply in most parts - affecting food access for a large number of people - and latest indications were that 2.5 million mt of maize would have to be imported this year, it said. Though planting for the 'long rains' (April/May) was well underway, the yield prospects were uncertain due to erratic and insufficient rains so far, the report added. Some 2.7 million people in Kenya have been identified as drought-affected by WFP.